Full Notification

...The Flood Warning continues for the following rivers in New Mexico... Rio Chama Below Chamita affecting Rio Arriba County. .Snow melt and increased reservoir releases will cause the river flows to become high. Expect minor flooding downstream from the dam.

* WHAT...Minor flooding is occurring and minor flooding is forecast.

* WHERE...Rio Chama below Chamita.

* WHEN...Until further notice.

* IMPACTS...At 5.5 feet, BANKFULL STAGE. PROPERTIES IMMEDIATELY ADJACENT TO THE RIVER UPSTREAM OF THE BRIDGE ON SR-74 AND ESPECIALLY NEAR THE JUNCTION WITH THE RIO OJO CALIENTE MAY SEE WATER ENCROACH ONTO LOW LYING AREAS. At 6.0 feet, PROPERTIES IN FLOOD PLAIN ALONG RIO CHAMA AND NEAR THE JUNCTION OF RIO OJO CALIENTE WILL SEE WATER IN THEIR YARDS. BANK EROSION IS POSSIBLE. DAMAGE TO WELLS AND SEPTIC TANKS IS POSSIBLE. THESE IMPACTS WILL INCREASE IN SEVERITY AT HIGHER LEVELS.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 7:00 PM MDT Wednesday the stage was 6.2 feet. - Bankfull stage is 5.5 feet. - Recent Activity...The maximum river stage in the 24 hours ending at 7:00 PM MDT Wednesday was 6.3 feet. - Forecast...The river will oscillate above flood stage with a maximum value of 6.3 feet early tomorrow afternoon. - Flood stage is 6.0 feet. - Flood History...This crest compares to a previous crest of 6.3 feet on 04/25/2008. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood

* AFFECTED AREAS: RIO ARRIBA, NM

Instructions:

Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. Caution is urged when walking near riverbanks. Additional information is available at www.weather.gov/abq. The next statement will be issued Thursday morning at 1015 AM MDT.